Coláiste Eoin was delighted to host 24 students and two teachers from KGS Bad Bevensen, Germany as part of a week-long cultural exchange from 1st–8th October. The visit was a wonderful success, filled with learning opportunities, shared experiences and lasting international friendships.
Throughout the week, the visiting students experienced life in an Irish secondary school, joining our classes in subjects such as Music, Art, Irish, and PE, and taking part in special cultural activities including Irish dancing and a group choir session. They were warmly welcomed into the homes of local host families, whose kindness and generosity helped make the exchange so memorable.
The group also enjoyed excursions to Kilkenny, Dublin and Glendalough, where they had the chance to explore Ireland’s rich history, culture and landscape. Even the typical Irish weather couldn’t dampen their enthusiasm, spirits remained high, and the visiting students spoke warmly about their time in Hacketstown and the friendliness of everyone they met.
The exchange provided a fantastic opportunity for our own students to practice their German, learn about teenage life in another country, and develop meaningful cross-cultural connections. Many new friendships were formed, and plans are already in place for students to stay in touch.
A special word of congratulations and thanks goes to Ms. Vania Power and the German Department, whose hard work and careful organisation ensured that every detail of the week ran smoothly. Their commitment to promoting language learning and cultural exchange is greatly appreciated by students, staff and host families alike.
We now look forward to the return visit to Germany next year, when Coláiste Eoin students will travel to Bad Bevensen to experience school and family life in northern Germany.
It was a truly uplifting week that left our school community proud, grateful, and excited for what’s ahead, proof once again that language learning opens doors, builds friendships, and connects the world.